Which beverage below does not increase the risk of gout in a male who is prone to this condition?

• A. Vodka
• B. Beer
• C. Wine
• D. Bourbon

Answer: (C)

Gout flares are driven by high uric acid levels in the blood, which can be worsened by alcohol because it both raises uric acid production and reduces its excretion by the kidneys. Not all alcoholic drinks affect gout the same way. Beer is high in purines from yeast, so it tends to raise uric acid more and is strongly linked to gout flares. Spirits (like vodka and bourbon) also increase risk mainly through dehydration and metabolic effects that raise uric acid. Wine, on the other hand, has lower purine content and, in studies, is generally less likely to trigger increases in uric acid or gout attacks compared with beer or spirits. For someone prone to gout, wine is the beverage least likely to raise the risk, making it the best choice among the options.